Lost in Petaling Street: The Ultimate Guide to Chinatown KL
Chinatown KL is a vibrant blend of heritage, tradition, and everyday city life. Centered around Petaling Street, it’s where centuries-old temples like Sri Mahamariamman stand alongside Chinese clan houses, traditional herbal shops, and bustling market stalls. The air is filled with the scent of incense and sizzling street food, while colourful lanterns and murals reflect its deep-rooted history.
It’s not just a shopping street — it’s a living cultural hub where Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences meet, creating a rich tapestry of architecture, food, and traditions that continue to thrive in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Exploring Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most interesting, historically rich, and enjoyable neighbourhoods to explore when visiting Kuala Lumpur. As one of the city’s earliest districts, it began as a bustling trading hub that attracted early Chinese migrants and gradually developed a strong identity as both a commercial centre and a culinary heart serving the Chinese community in KL.
Today, Petaling Street draws thousands of visitors who come for mid-range shopping, flavourful food adventures, and the thrill of discovering hidden bars, vibrant wall murals, and fascinating cultural gems tucked away in its side alleys.
How to get there?
Quick Summary
Best rail access: Pasar Seni MRT/LRT (~5-10 min walk)
Closest commuter rail: Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (~7-10 min)
Numerous bus stops: Within ~3-6 min walk serving RapidKL & GoKL routes
🚆 Train & Rapid Transit Stations (walking distance)
Pasar Seni MRT Station – MRT & LRT station on the Kelana Jaya & Kajang lines; a ~5-10 min walk to Chinatown.
Pasar Seni – Another stop point at the same hub area near central attractions.
Plaza Rakyat – LRT station within ~7-9 min walk.
Merdeka – MRT station is about a 7-10 min walk away.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of hotels in the neighbourhood, ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels.
I have stayed at the following hotels:
- Four Points Sheraton (5-Star)
- Travelodge Chinatown
- Avenue J Hotel
Whare are other places of interest nearby?
The Chinatown is surrounded by Brickfields with a rich Indian presence. You can enjoy amazing South Indian cuisine and sweets at one of many sweet shops near Masjid India LRT.
Central Market is another very interesting place to explore, with Kasturi Walk adjacent to the market and a beautiful art gallery behind the market.
Walk over to Merdeka Square to explore some historical building including an old Catherdral, and the Abdus Samad Building.
